Hacking the Game Didn't Go as Intended [Part One]

CHAPTER 138: Human Transmutation - The Esoteric Facet of Alchemy

Daisuke nodded, though a faint unease crept into his stance as he recalled the twisted transformation he had witnessed.

Verna sighed, drawing back a stained sleeve as she dipped a long metal rod into the vial, stirring the fluid gently. "Look here," she instructed, nodding towards the slow, almost reluctant way it clung to the rod before finally separating in viscous strands. "Highly immiscible, just as you described. This serum doesn't merely cling to its form, it resists blending. It's almost as if it's... alive. Or, well, a remnant of life."

Daisuke frowned. "Could it be that the serum itself has properties tied to transformation? How do you think it was made?"

The woman's brows knitted together as she thought, her gaze becoming distant. "Transformation, yes. But to forge something that defies nature so stubbornly... that requires dark practices. If a mere pill turned a man into such a creature, then this serum would be a byproduct of that violent alchemical reaction. Alchemy often seeks to defy the natural order, but this... this points to an ambition untethered by reason."

The old woman rummaged through a pile of dusty tomes stacked near the edge of the table, pulling out one bound in worn leather. She flipped through pages filled with various species of flora, ancient runes, alchemical symbols, and sketched diagrams until she landed on a chart labeled Animus Extracts.

"Look here," she said, tapping on an entry. "This fluid resembles compounds used in ancient transmutations—specifically those that 'unbind' the core essence of a living thing and reshape it."

"Unbinding?"

"Yes," she replied, her tone grave. "In this instance, the unbinding agent unravels the core of a person and reweaves it into something new—a homunculus, in this case. You see the serum's coagulated consistency? That tells me it contains not only alchemical ingredients but vestiges of a person's soul. It's... disturbing, to put it mildly."

Daisuke cupped his chin, his mind racing. "So, in essence, this residue is the product of alchemy, meaning that small pill somehow altered a person's soul, turning them into a monster.

But that's not really new information; I saw a man being force-fed the pill and watched him transform. What I'm wondering is, how exactly does it work? How do you craft a single pill capable of altering someone's soul? What's the process?"

"I'm afraid I don't have much more to offer," Verna said with an apologetic tone. "What I do know is that our ancestors once used a similar technique to alter plants and monsters, synthesizing the necessary materials to create potions and remedies. But this pill—it's much more rooted in alchemy than in medicine."

Daisuke's brow furrowed, a touch of disappointment creeping into his gaze. Only Cedric and a handful of others possessed true knowledge of alchemy, so it was already a surprise that Verna knew what it even meant.

"In that case, what did you manage to figure out from the magic circle?"

Verna nodded thoughtfully. "From the traces of medicinal ingredients I identified earlier, it seems the pill was crafted with a specific and deliberate combination of elements.

Initially, there's something meant to undermine the body's natural defenses and dull the pain as both the body and soul undergo the transformation. Following that, the pill contains components designed to enhance blood and mana circulation, boost regeneration, increase metabolism, and amplify strength and endurance, among other effects."

"I see," Daisuke nodded, a hint of gratitude in his tone. "Thanks for humoring my selfish request."

Verna shook her head, her smile warm but laced with concern. "It was no trouble at all. But, Haxks... I don't know who created such a horrid thing, nor can I guess what you intend to do with it. Still, I must warn you: be careful. These dark arts were never meant for mortals to tamper with. Such practices are bound to incur the gods' wrath."

***

Before leaving the apothecary, Daisuke bought several recovery items to replenish his dwindling supplies. It feels like ever since I hit the thirties, the mobs just don't drop potions and berries as much as they used to. Looks like the algorithm's becoming a bit more savage now.

"Hey there, lad," greeted a familiar blacksmith, his skin glistening with sweat and covered in soot. "Did you manage to get those high-quality materials forged into weapons over at the capital?"

"Not yet, unfortunately," Daisuke replied with a hint of disappointment. "I'm actually in the middle of getting ready for the trip, but before I head out, I wanted to ask—do you offer any tinting services?"

The blacksmith scratched his head, a look of regret crossing his face. "Alas, blacksmithing's all I've ever known. Sadly, tinting isn't something I can help with."

"Did you say you're looking for tinting services?" a low-leveled player asked as he stepped into the shop.

Daisuke's muscles tensed, fingers instinctively curling, though he didn't draw his daggers—yet. "Yeah. I want to change the color of my armor."

"Have you checked the dyesmith?"

"I haven't. Where's that?"

"It's a few blocks down on the right side," he replied, gesturing down the street. "You can't miss it—there's a big sign with a paintbrush and a red pot on it."

"Got it," Daisuke said, smiling appreciatively. "Thanks, man."

"Don't mention it," the teen replied with an easy grin. "Catch ya later."

Daisuke waved as he stepped out of the shop. I guess Nigel was right, he mused, feeling a slight sense of relief. There really are good players out there, after all.